Rishabh Pant, the star Indian keeper-batter, ended his return to international cricket after 18 months with an audacious reverse scoop, sending the ball sailing for a six to finish the game against Ireland in style, on Wednesday at the Nassau County Cricket International Stadium in New York. The six made Pant’s return to the Indian jersey a memorable one.
Rishabh Pant Played An Outrageous Reverse Lap Shot
Coming out to bat at number 3 position, Rishabh Pant shared a 54-run stand with captain Rohit Sharma after Virat Kohli was dismissed cheaply.
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India faced a huge blow as Rohit walked out of the field due to his elbow injury, but the captain completed a 36-ball fifty. Pant didn’t let the pressure affect his performance, as he made sure to stay there till the end and help his team win the game while taking several blows on his body.
During his knock, Rishabh, who is known for his power-hitting skills, played an outrageous reverse lap shot to finish the game on a high for India. Ireland pacer Barry McCarthy bowled a length ball outside off to which Rishabh went reverse and scooped it right behind the wicketkeeper for six. He looked satisfied after smashing the stunning six.
The video of the same has been going viral on the internet, watch it here:
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Irfan Pathan Hailed Rishabh Pant
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After the Indian cricket team defeated Ireland by chasing the target inside 13 overs, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan took to his social media and hailed Pant for his brilliant knock. He feels Rishabh scoring runs at the top-order was a big plus for India. He wrote:
“Solid start this by team India. Rishabh Pant being a left handed batsman scoring runs at the top order was big plus for me.”
Wasim Jaffer Wants Pant’s Outrageous Shot At Times Square
Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer was also left in awe of Rishabh Pant’s outrageous reverse lap shot in the end. He suggested that the shot should be played in Times Square. He wrote:
“Take a clip of that reverse lap winning six by Rishabh Pant and play it in the Times Square. If that doesn’t get Americans into cricket, nothing will.”
It was Pant’s first international game in over a year and he played an unbeaten knock of 36 runs. He batted with a strike rate of around 140 and also hit 3 fours and 2 sixes in his innings. He was also sensational behind the stumps as India chose him over Sanju Samson for the game. He started by taking a skier to dismiss Ireland captain Paul Stirling, followed by a relatively simple take to see the back of Curtis Campher.
The Men in Blue will now face Pakistan on June 9th at the same venue. Pakistan is yet to open their campaign in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.
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